DRF Luftrettung has welcomed the first seven trainee pilots to its operations centre as part of a fly-in of its new training machine. The company has added a brand new R44 training helicopter to the training fleet at its operations centre at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport and the trainees, six men and one woman, will be trained as commercial helicopter pilots over the next two years.

“The launch of our new course is a milestone for DRF Luftrettung. Having been offering special training courses for experienced pilots within our Approved Training Organisation for almost 20 years, we are adding an important element with the new basic training. Our aim is to pass on our expertise to third parties and, as one of Europe's largest air rescue organisations, make a further contribution to aviation safety. At the same time, we are also securing our own young talent for DRF Luftrettung's 29 current HEMS bases in Germany. After all, we also need highly qualified pilots for the special field of air rescue over the long term,” says executive board member Dr Peter Huber.

Following their professional helicopter pilot training, the air rescue organisation plans to offer prospective pilots further prospects at DRF Luftrettung or its subsidiaries. Suitable candidates could join as co-pilots at selected HEMS bases in order to gain further experience under the monitoring of experienced pilots and become qualified for air rescue missions.

Throughout the entire training process, the students are guided and supported by DRF Luftrettung flight instructors with extensive experience. The trainee pilots will particularly benefit from their extensive expertise in night flights, hoist rescues, take off and landing in densely built-up areas, as well as missions in impassable and alpine terrain.

The course takes place at the DRF Luftrettung Academy in Bühl and at the DRF Luftrettung operations centre at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport.

“In addition to the regular training content, participants will also gain practical insights into the various areas of the air rescue organisation, for example in the form of seminars with the technical and medical departments of DRF Luftrettung,” explains training programme project manager Florian Klinner.

Applications for the second training course, starting next year, are now open.